Best Bets for places to go, things to do in SouthCoast

From a Hurricane of '38 walk to a pruning workshop to a concert by Sharks Come Cruisin', there's plenty to do on the last big weekend of the summer.

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Posted Aug. 28, 2014 at 12:01 AM
Updated Aug 28, 2014 at 9:36 AM

Posted Aug. 28, 2014 at 12:01 AM
Updated Aug 28, 2014 at 9:36 AM

» Social News

'Hurricane of '38' walk offered Friday morning

Westport Land Conservation Trust invites those with an interest in ecology or history for a guided walk about the Hurricane of 1938 and its aftermath. Sept. 21, 1938, changed Westport and New England forever. Once the summer playground of mill owners from Fall River, the southwest corner of Westport has a storied past filled with triumphs and tragedy directed by the sea. The walk, co-sponsored by the Westport Historical Society, will take participants from the Point of Rocks at the mouth of Westport River and along Atlantic Avenue. From the commentary along the way, you will learn about the land, the lives and the nature that have and still call the harbor home.

It's from 9-11 a.m. Friday. Park on Beach Avenue, Westport. Free and public. Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes and be prepared for moderate walking over uneven terrain. Bring your own water. Contact Ashley@WestportLandTrust.org if you plan to attend or for more information.

Learn about pruning from certified arborist

Join Jen Kettel, a certified arborist for the Arnold Arboretum, for a hands-on workshop of summer pruning techniques. She'll explain how summer pruning differs from winter pruning. If you're curious about when to prune your hydrangeas, this is the program for you. Come prepared to ask Kettel any of your tree and shrub questions. (Did you know, by the way, that the arboretum was established in 1872 with a bequest from James Arnold, a whaling merchant of New Bedford, who lived from 1781-1868? His mansion is now the Wamsutta Club.)

The 2014 Thursdays in the Park Concert Series concludes this evening with a performance of sea chantey punk music by the group Sharks Come Cruisin'. They play an energetic mix of original and traditional sing-along songs, keeping the themes of audience participation and celebration at the center of their music and their live performances. The group has played several festivals up and down the East Coast, from Florida to Maine. They have played with Dropkick Murphys, The Loved Ones (Fat Wreck Chords), and Lemuria (Bridge Nine Records). They have been compared to Flogging Molly, The Pogues, and Against Me! and their music has been described as sea chantey punk, Irish punk, and folk punk.

From 6:30 to 7:30 tonight, national park visitor center garden, 33 William St., New Bedford. Free. In the event of rain, the performance will be moved indoors to the park theater. (508) 996-4095, www.nps.gov/nebe

Blues Jam will have Newport venue jumping

Blues Jam with Kenny Wayne Shepherd will light up the Newport Yachting Center Sunday. The acclaimed bluesman will be joined by Roomful of Blues, James Montgomery & Bruce Marshall and Big Cat Blues. Two decades into a recording career that began when he was 16, Shepherd has built an enviable resume as an accomplished recording artist, a riveting live performer and one of the most talented and distinctive guitarists of his generation. To his credit, he has four albums that have gone platinum, five Grammy nominations and two Billboard Music Awards, as well as a Blues Foundation's Keeping The Blues Alive award and two Blues Music awards. Shepherd's latest album release, "Goin' Home," features tunes originally popularized by such blues icons as B.B. King, Albert King, Muddy Waters, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Buddy Guy and Junior Wells.

For a chance of pace, Buzzards Play Productions will host two nights of offbeat entertainment. Master hypnotist Liam Drennan will headline two evenings of mind-bending fun and laughs. Mat Rose will join Drennan for his exhibition of mind reading and mind control. Formerly from Britain, Drennan has been entertaining with his comedy-hypnotism show for more than 10 years.

The Our Lady of Angels Catholic Association once again holds its traditional Portuguese "festa" on the feastgrounds this weekend. There will be live music, game booths, Portuguese and American food, auctions and fun for children. The religious procession will take place at 1 p.m. Monday on Main Street.

On the cover: Raye Gomes, left, and Michelle Bowlin rehearse a duet from "Always Remember," a new musical to be performed in concert style tonight and Friday. Photo by Mike Valeri/The Standard-Times. Story, more photos on Page 8.